“I think it’s a strong group collectively and the sum of the parts is very good,” Murphy said. “They’re big, they’re strong, they move the puck well and they bring a lot of good elements to the hockey club.”

Nobody expected Murphy to criticize the defense or the rest of the team during his first day on the job.

No doubt he will look at hours of tape, to see all the pluses and minuses of his players.

The Flyers have young promising defensemen in the system such as Robert Hagg, who is 19, last year’s first round pick Samuel Morin, who turns 19 next month and Shayne Gostisbehere, 21,

Murphy was also asked something, the fans have been wondering for a while – what about working in some young players on the back line. Again, Murphy preached caution.

“We will take a look but we want to make sure we don’t’ rush these kids,” he said. “You don’t want to get overwhelmed and give them too much too early.”

When asked if the defense is the strength of the team, Murphy measured his words carefully.

“I’m not saying it’s the strength of the team, but that’s a strong unit back there,” he said. “It’s very competitive. They’re big. I think they play well.”

It’s a unit that will have to play better than last season for the Flyers to take that next step.